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respond cryptically

[rɪˈspɒnd krɪpˈtɪkli]
verb phrase
responder de forma enigmática
1. to answer in a mysterious, obscure, or deliberately unclear manner; to reply in a way that is difficult to understand or decode
When asked about his plans, he responded cryptically: 'All will be revealed in due time.'
Quando perguntado sobre seus planos, ele respondeu de forma enigmática: 'Tudo será revelado a seu tempo.'
2. to give an answer that is intentionally vague or coded, often to avoid direct disclosure
The witness responded cryptically to the detective's questions, offering riddles instead of straight answers.
A testemunha respondeu de forma enigmática às perguntas do detetive, oferecendo charadas em vez de respostas diretas.
NYC Slang
talk in riddles / speak in code
Synonyms
answer ambiguouslyreply mysteriouslyspeak enigmaticallyrespond obscurelygive a veiled answer
Antonyms
respond clearlyanswer directlyspeak plainlyreply straightforwardlygive a transparent answer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
responder de forma enigmática / responder de jeito misterioso
Standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
responder de forma enigmática
Common formal usage
Rio de Janeiro
responder de jeito fechado / responder na enigma
More colloquial variation
Portugal
responder de forma críptica / responder enigmaticamente
Preferred formal usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

speak in riddles
talk around the subject
beat around the bush
give the runaround
play it close to the vest
falar por charadas (PT)
dar respostas de esfinge (PT)
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